Many people visit a chiropractor because they are in pain. In this first phase of care, the main goal is to reduce your symptoms. Sometimes this will require daily or multiple visits per week for a period of time.
Most people are under the assumption that if they don’t feel any pain, there is nothing wrong with them and they are healthy. Unfortunately, pain is a very poor indicator of health. In fact, pain and other symptoms frequently only appear after a disease or other condition has become advanced.
For example, consider a cavity in your tooth. Does it hurt when it first develops or only after it has become serious? How about heart disease? Regardless of whether you are talking about cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stress or subluxation(misalignment) of the spine, pain is usually the last thing to appear.
When you begin chiropractic care, pain is also the first symptom to disappear, even though much of the underlying condition remains.
Most chiropractors regard the elimination of symptoms as the easiest part of a persons care. If all the chiropractor does is reduce the pain and discontinue treatment, the chances of the condition recurring are much greater.
In order to prevent a rapid recurrence of symptoms, it is necessary to continue receiving care even though your symptoms have subsided.
During the corrective / restorative phase of your care, you will not have to receive adjustments as often as you did during the first phase of care, and depending on your particular circumstances, you may begin doing exercises and stretches either at the clinic or at home to help accelerate your healing.
Do not be discouraged if you have mild flare-ups in your symptoms on occasion. This is normal. Flare-ups are bound to occur during this phase because your body has not fully healed. Depending on the severity of your injury or condition and how long you have been suffering from it, this phase of your care may last several months.
Maintenance is the key to healthy living!
Once your body has fully healed, routine chiropractic care can help ensure that your physical problems do not return, and keep your body in optimal condition.
Just like continuing an exercise program and eating well in order to sustain the benefits of exercise and proper diet, it is necessary to continue chiropractic care to ensure the health of your musculoskeletal system.
When you make routine chiropractic care a part of your lifestyle, you avoid many of the aches and pains that so many people suffer through, your joints will last longer, and you will be able to engage in more of the activities you love.
Upon entering our office, you will be welcomed by a member of our staff. We will review your new patient forms, which provide us with general information about yourself and your condition.
Next you will have a consultation to discuss your health-related problems and concerns, as well as potential treatment options. Your first visit is designed to learn more about you, your condition and your expectations to determine whether chiropractic care will you meet your goals.
After your consultation, we will perform a complete chiropractic examination testing your spinal range of motion, neurologic and orthopedic systems, and postural condition.
If deemed necessary, we will send you to take x-rays of your spine to help us diagnose your condition and formulate your treatment plan.
Once all the information has been gathered and examinations have been performed, we will give you a report of our findings and discuss recommendations for your successful recovery.
Patients will generally be provided with their first treatment at the conclusion of the appointment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapies, and/or soft tissue therapies.
Prior to leaving, patients will be instructed on what to do at home to encourage healing. If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include ice or heat application instructions, avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or stretche